Online Therapy: Accessible Support from Home
In recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, online therapy has become more popular, and, therefore, mental health services are now more accessible. Whether online therapy/online counselling or teletherapy, we refer to therapy conducted over the internet via email, video call, or a messaging and chat service that allows the therapist/counsellor to see their client(s) in real time.
Research has shown that face-to-face and online sessions lead to similar results; there is no difference in how effective the therapy is. Professionals who offer online sessions require the same training as those who see their clients in person. The session duration and structure are also the same – based on the therapy contract both parties sign at the beginning.
Here at Willingness, different professionals offer online therapy in our online clinic. This involves a video call between the therapist and the client in a safe online environment, very similar to a face-to-face session. The chat function allows for additional exchange of links and resources during each session, and seeing each other on the screen allows the therapist/professional to notice and consider the client’s body language, just like in a face-to-face setting.
The advantages of online therapy
Let’s talk about how easily accessible online therapy is. “This saves me 2 hours of commute”, “I am travelling at the moment and needed this session so much, greetings from the other side of the world”, and “I can log in for our session in my lunch break without leaving the office” is what I hear from my online clients – online therapy is convenient for many reasons.
Whether you wish to choose online or in-person sessions depends on your preferences and how comfortable you are using technology. Nowadays, teenagers and adults are using online communication. However, anyone can use it: A computer or smartphone with a webcam, microphone, and internet access is required. There is no need to be a technical genius; your therapist/counsellor will provide clear instructions and a step-by-step guide on accessing and using the online clinic.
Online therapy is accessible from home or wherever you are. You won’t have to leave your comfort zone and can effectively use your “free time”—logging in for a session whilst your soup is boiling in the kitchen or your child is sleeping upstairs is possible. Or maybe you wish to use the time while waiting in the car for your child during their extracurricular activities for a session? Online therapy offers this possibility.
Unable to get out of bed due to illness or physical disability, or currently in quarantine? Use your device to log in and attend your session in the comfort of your own home.
Online therapy is a good option for those who experience anxiety when being surrounded by others or when sharing spaces in general. Some professionals might offer the option of switching between online and in-person sessions to see what the client feels most comfortable with and to meet the client’s needs.
Conclusion
Research shows that online therapy attendance rates are higher than face-to-face ones, given that fewer obstacles exist. The success of therapy/counselling depends on the therapeutic relationship and commitment to the process rather than how delivering the sessions are.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue, you can reach out here.
Franziska Richter is a transcultural counsellor with the Willingness Team, offering counselling sessions to individuals and couples. She is particularly interested in sexuality, relationship issues, trauma and general mental health.
References
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/online-counselling.html#whatisonlinetherapy
